Cosmetics may harm your skin and make your skin lose natural glow. They also have many side-effects if using for long period. Herbs are the best substitute for such skin problems. They are now considered best for skin care and are widely used in making herbal cosmetics. Below are some popular herbs with medicinal properties that are used for skin care:

Aloe (Aloe Vera)

Aloe vera is an important ingredient of many beauty cosmetics and skin lotions. The parts used are gel from the succulent leaves and aloe juice. Some of its significant properties are demulcent, antibacterial, antibiotic, source of allantoin; useful for healing cuts and wounds, as analgesic for mild pain, and for soothing sunburn.

Medicinal uses of Aloe vera

- The gel of aloe is used with milk in dysentery and kidney infection.

- In case of enlarged spleen, juice of the leaf with powdered turmeric is given.

- It is anthelmintic and good medicine for kid's intestinal worms.

- In case of chronic fissures and ulcers around the rectum, aloe is largely used both internally and externally.

- The fresh juice of aloe leaves is useful in fever, spleen and liver diseases and enlarged lymphatic glands.

- Dissolved in water of roses it is used in various eye troubles.

- It is used for colitis, diarrhea and digestive disorders

- A piece of the pulp which is peeled to the size of ½ a finger is inserted into the rectum in hemorrhoids and bleeding piles.

- Peptic and duodenal ulcers can be cured by taking one pint blended gel at regular interval daily.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

The part used is essential oil. Some of its important properties are antifungal, anti-bacterial, tissue cleanser; a 10% solution of the essential oil is a safe external antiseptic for skin diseases, fungal infections and wounds.

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

The parts used are fruits and leaves. Its properties are astringent and stimulant; can be used as a wash for wounds and external skin ulcers.

Orange (Citrus aurantium)

The parts used are flower, fruit and rind. Some of its medicinal properties are: essential oil of sweet orange blossoms, called neroli, has antiseptic, anti-depressant and tonic properties and is a perfect choice for sensitive skin. Essential oil of the leaves and young shoots of orange plant, called oil of petit grain, is natural skin toner and stimulant but may be a bit harsh for sensitive skin.